All roads lead to Mohali

The air is literally crackling with excitement. With just two days to go before India faces Pakistan on Wednesday in the semi-final of the cricket World Cup, the only place everyone wants to be is the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

The air is literally crackling with excitement. With just two days to go before India faces Pakistan on Wednesday in the semi-final of the cricket World Cup, the only place everyone wants to be is the PCA Stadium in Mohali. From filmstars to Delhi’s socialites — everybody’s making a beeline for the venue.

Actor Rahul Bose, who has been spotted at almost every India match so far, says he’ll definitely be there for this one too. While fans have been calling Bose a lucky mascot for the team, he laughs, “I’m not a lucky mascot or anything, just a cricket-lover!”

Delhi-based restaurateur Navneet Kalra says, “We are all going and looking forward to the frenzy and adrenaline. Hope we come back with a smile.”

Restaurateur AD Singh, who just got back from the India-Australia match in Ahmedabad, says, “That match was unforgettable and now we’re getting all set to leave the match in Mohali.”

Hotels in Mohali say they are getting 50-60 booking queries in a day, but they’re all booked.

“We’re packed. In fact, some people are paying for a week’s booking even though they haven’t yet arrived,” says Anish Sharma of Sarao Hotels.

“The demand is more than what is available. People are staying in hotels in Ludhiana and Patiala too,” says Sabyasachi Chatterjee of Hometel Chandigarh.

Those who haven’t got tickets are leaving no stone unturned in their quest. Actor Gulshan Grover says, “I’m trying everything to get there, including tying up my director with stumps.”